Margaret Meneghel is a Perth-based artist who uses a vibrant and vivid range of colours and textures to create bold interpretations of land, sea, and urban scapes. She creates layers and textures through a range of tools, brushes, acrylic paints, and intense colour.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I aim to create a story - an experience, not just a depiction or picture. Through my art practice, I try to capture the unique aesthetic, warm mood, and culture of Western Australia. I have exhibited in a range of exhibitions and my work is held in private collections in NSW, ACT, WA, and Europe. I have hosted a solo exhibition at Rohan Jewellers in Mount Lawley and several joint exhibitions in 2023. I have been invited to exhibit at the Fine Art @Hale in July 2024 and I will hold a solo exhibition in October 2024.
What does your work aim to say?
I am an intuitive artist and paint freely from the heart. My paintings usually reflect my experiences and emotions - often snapshots of moments in time. I hope people predominantly feel joy from my art.
Who are your biggest influences?
I’m influenced by a range of artists, including Gustave Klimt, Picasso, Monet, and a range of Australian artists - not necessarily all famous!
How has your career developed and evolved?
I had been a part-time artist until about 4 years ago when I decided to paint on a full time basis. From this point, I feel I have developed and evolved as an artist. As a result, a range of opportunities to exhibit and show my work has come my way and for this I am grateful.
Describe your studio or workspace.
I have enjoyed my time as one of the Artists in Residence at the Inglewood Arts Hub from Jan - June 2024, where I shared the space with another artist. This has been a great opportunity to be a part of a community – interacting with other artists and art lovers. After the residency, I’ll work from my home-based studio in Highgate.
What is your dream project?
I love to paint big pieces of work. My biggest to date is 2 x2 meters but I plan to one day go much bigger! I also hope to one day exhibit in Sydney – it's my birthplace and alongside Perth, one of my greatest sources of inspiration.
What is the best piece of advice you've received?
The best advice I have received is to be brave!
How do you overcome creative blocks?
When I sense I'm not in the flow, I step back from art for a day or two. I might go away for a few days or unwind at the beach, as I believe I need to clear my mind for new work to evolve.
How do you stay motivated in your art practice?
I try to stay disciplined by working on my art most days. I also work to exhibition deadlines which is a great motivator!
How do you balance your personal life and your art practice?
I find my art practice and family life balance quite well. Sometimes I need to focus more of my energy on family commitments or vice versa but it generally evens out nicely.
LA Dreaming
Acrylic on canvas, 1.8x1.1cm
This piece being abstract is open for interpretation. It expresses my desire to pursue my dreams -although not easy at times, the possibilities may be endless. This piece references the Hollywood Hills in LA and pays tribute to all the ‘big dreamers’ out there.
Lover Mania
Acrylic on canvas, 42x42cm
This is a fun pop art-inspired piece that was painted in the heady days during the recent Taylor Swift concerts in Australia. I think we were all swept up to some degree in the ‘Swiftie’ mania! Some people lived and breathed it – I painted it.
Contact Margaret Meneghel:
Website: www.margaretmeneghel.com
Instagram: @margaretmeneghel.art
Email: Marg.meneghel@gmail.com
